Coming Up

1C13 Productions Helps Build Communities in Bay Area Despite Pandemic

Jasmine Taylor 1c13

Oakland, CA. It started out as a personal mission to inspire spirituality throughout her neighborhood for Jasmine Taylor (pictured above on the right). She launched the “Stepping Out on Faith” prayer walk in October of 2014 and that led to her founding a nonprofit called 1C13 Productions.

The strategy of continuing 1C13 Productions, especially with the youth, during the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing discussion within the organization according to Taylor. Because the nonprofit works extensively with youth through direct interaction within school settings, COVID 19 has halted its programs. However, 1C13 remains dedicated to creating and offering programs that allow interaction with the students while adhering to social distancing mandates.

Services within the organization include youth outreach, community events, feeding the poor, and providing resources for Oakland families to fight poverty and enrich their children’s future through The Legacy Program.

One goal of 1C13 Productions is to eradicate hunger in urban communities. Given the effects of poverty and gentrification, many men, women, and children in urban communities face hunger daily. The nonprofit regularly feeds the homeless and is planning on expanding these efforts.

While initially focused on community programs,1C13 provides several programs for the youth of Oakland to acquire the skills which will bolster their confidence and create positive opportunities. The Walking in Royalty program exposes youth to many different disciplines of study and career opportunities to encourage the young people of Oakland to recognize their full potential and ensures a well-rounded exposure to different career possibilities.

Occasionally working directly with schools to provide life skills classes for both the youth and families through the Walking in Royalty programs, 1C13 also offers these programs to the public through the King/Queen Connections program. Taylor, who also holds the position of Restorative Bridge Maker at Frick United School of language to diffuse conflicts between students, describes her work with the youth as “the most gratifying” and a “beautiful and humbling opportunity”. The testimonies given from some 1C13 youth confirms their reciprocal admiration for the program and their mission; “(The Life Skills) class has changed me in many ways. It’s encouraged me to never give up. It taught me to be a young lady. It taught me to never let what other people say affect my future and who I want to be.” – Mia C., 8th grade.

From 1C13 Productions:

1C13 Productions Inc. is a pillar in the community and has created a lasting impact on youth, communities, and families throughout its 5-year tenure in the Bay Area and in its schools. Here are testimonials from some of those we’ve had the opportunity to work with.

“Jasmine Taylor has the best job in the world: empowering young kings and queens of East Oakland to live their truth and nurture their brilliance. As a teacher and trauma-informed student mentor at Frick Impact Academy, “Ms. Taylor” heals interpersonal harm through her expertise in Restorative Practices and leads students in deconstructing the forces of oppression in their lives and communities as they foster resilience, confidence, and integrity.”

-Emma L., SDC Teacher